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When you’ve finally made the decision to becoming a physician assistant, it’s time to figure out how to become one, so this article will guide you through the whole process.
How To Become A Physician Assistant
physician assistants work under the supervision of physicians, providing support to healthcare teams. They need an advanced education and extensive training in a medical setting. Coursework and clinical hours prepare physician assistant students to provide support during surgical procedures, develop treatment plans, and work in a fast-paced healthcare setting. This comprehensive guide serves as a resource for individuals interested in pursuing a physician assistant career.
physician assistants (PA) provide frontline medical care under the supervision of physicians as part of a team of healthcare professionals.
1. Earn a Bachelor’s Degree
Aspiring PAs need a qualifying bachelor’s degree to gain admission to a graduate program. Some graduate schools accept a bachelor’s degree in any subject, but a degree in a relevant area, such as health science or nursing, provides ideal preparation for a PA graduate program.
Students typically need undergraduate coursework in biochemistry, organic chemistry, immunology, pathophysiology, genetics, and molecular or cellular biology for admission to a PA master’s program. Many master’s programs also require applicants to hold previous healthcare experience. Some schools offer dual BS/MS physician assistant programs, which allow students to save time and money.
2. Earn a Master’s Degree
To gain admission to an ARC-PA-accredited physician assistant master of science in medicine program, prospective students need a bachelor’s degree. Applicants typically need a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.25 and a minimum 3.25 GPA in science-related courses. They also need a minimum score of 300 on the GRE.
The master’s degree usually requires 147 credit hours and takes seven semesters of full-time study to complete. Students typically take 15 weeks of didactic science courses on topics like medical ethics, clinical radiology, and introduction to obstetrics and gynecology. After completing coursework, learners finish eight, six-week clinical rotations in areas such as family medicine, pediatrics, behavioral and mental health, and general surgery.
3. Pass the Physician Assistant National Certifying Exam (PANCE)
After graduating from an ARC-PA-accredited physician assistant master’s program, future PAs qualify to take the PANCE. This exam covers organ systems and disorders, diseases, and assessments. Medical content comprises 95% of the exam.
Examinees may make up to six attempts to pass the PANCE in six years. Upon passing the exam, PAs must secure a state license to practice. Since requirements for licensure vary by state, PAs should contact their state’s licensing board for more information.
4. Consider Additional Certification or Board Certification
After earning licensure, PAs may earn specialty or board certification to improve their knowledge and skills and advance their careers. PAs can specialize in areas like cardiovascular and thoracic surgery, hospital medicine, pediatrics, psychiatry, and orthopedic surgery.
To earn specialty certification, PAs must possess licensure and specialty experience, meet continuing education requirements in their specialty, and receive support from a physician. After meeting these requirements, they must pass a specialty exam. As of early 2020, PAs seeking to specialize must pay $350, which includes a $100 administrative fee and a $250 exam registration fee.
5. Maintaining Certification
To maintain certification, physician assistants need to earn at least 100 continuing education credits every two years. They must also pass the PANCE during year 10 of their recertification cycle. PAs who do not pass the PANCE on their first attempt may take the exam up to three more times.
How long does it take to become a physicians assistant?
To enroll in a physician assistant master’s program, you’ll need to have your bachelor’s degree, which is a four-year degree if you attend your educational program full-time. Most physician assistants take between seven and nine years to complete
how to become a physician assistant salary
Physician Assistant Salaries
| Occupation | Entry-Level | Mid-Career | Late-Career |
|---|---|---|---|
| Healthcare Admin | $52,000 | $68,000 | $97,000 |
| Healthcare Manager | $41,000 | $64,000 | $101,000 |
| Dietician/Nutritionist | $36,000 | $52,000 | $68,000 |
| Registered Nurses | $45,000 | $66,000 | $92,000 |
| Recreational Therapists | $33,000 | $42,000 | $58,000 |
| Nurse Practitioners | $91,000 | $102,000 | $111,000 |
| Veterinary Technicians | $25,000 | $35,000 | $51,000 |
| Radiation Therapists | $53,000 | $74,000 | $99,000 |
| EMT, Basic | $29,900 | $35,600 | $50,000 |
| EMT/Paramedic | $22,000 | $34,000 | $55,000 |
| Medical Assistant | $24,000 | $34,000 | $49,000 |
| Physician Assistant | $90,000 | $103,000 | $113,000 |
Potential Career Paths
You can pursue a variety of job opportunities with a physician assistant degree. You might find that, after a few years of working as a PA, another field of medicine is better suited to your skills and interests. This could be in a less demanding or more demanding position. It’s also possible that you may find it difficult to find employment in some communities. Being able to have other possible career paths will help to make you more employable in both the short- and the long-term.
Medical Assistant:
A medical assistant performs basic and routine clinical and administrative tasks for chiropractors, optometrists, podiatrists, general physicians, and other health professionals.
Pharmacy Assistant:
A pharmacy assistant helps pharmacists with the various administrative tasks at a pharmacy, such as answering phones, taking payments, and stocking shelves.
Nurse Practitioner:
A nurse practitioner is similar to a physician assistant, however, they focus more on the nursing side of care than the physician side of care.
EMT:
An emergency medical technician works in emergency medical situations that are often considered life-threatening. These medical professionals must be able to operate with a high amount of stress and a constant sense of urgency.
Career Outlook
The career outlook for a physician assistant is far more promising than most careers. The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) expects this field to grow by up to 37% by 2026. This is far greater than nearly all other professions. This demand is in part due to the level of responsibility provided to a PA over a nurse and the fact that doctors continue to be in short supply, and the demand will continue as PAs are more affordable than doctors and can relieve the existing time burden most doctors face on a daily basis.
At the moment, the PA profession is not overly competitive due to the great demand for these professionals. Most PAs will receive several job offers once they complete their degree and pass their national exam. The median salary is over $98,000 and this will increase for those who are the best in the industry. Keep in mind that your salary is also directly linked to the town or city in which you work. If you live in a larger city, you might make more. If you live in a rural community, you might make a bit less.
how many years to become a physician assistant
Physician assistants hold a master’s degree. The master’s program for physician assistants typically takes around three years to complete, depending on your enrollment status as a full-time or part-time student. To enroll in a physician assistant master’s program, you’ll need to have your bachelor’s degree, which is a four-year degree if you attend your educational program full-time. Most physician assistants take between seven and nine years to complete their training.
What is a physician assistant?
Physician assistants (PAs for short) are medical professionals who diagnose and treat their patients under a supervising physician. The role of a PA has evolved over time, where in the past states regulated the type of care PAs could provide to patients. Today, PAs typically take on much of the patient care that their supervising physicians assign to them. Additionally, PAs carry quite a bit of autonomy when assessing, diagnosing and treating patients.
What does a physician assistant do?
Physician assistants perform a wide range of tasks during their workdays, and many of their responsibilities reflect physicians’ duties, including:
- Recording and evaluating patients’ medical history during routine exams
- Performing routine exams and procedures
- Ordering, administering and evaluating diagnostic tests, including x-rays, lab work and EKGs
- Prescribing and administering medications and developing treatment plans for patients
- Performing clinical tasks in hospital settings, such as assisting during surgical procedures
- Education and counseling patients to support their health and wellness
In addition to these common responsibilities, PAs take on specialized duties depending on their field of expertise. For instance, a physician assistant of cardiology may perform tasks specific to their field, such as examining patients for heart problems and diagnosing and treating heart disease and other cardiovascular health issues.
Essential skills for physician assistants
To be successful on the job, PAs develop a range of specialized and soft skills. As you complete your education and training to become a physician assistant, you’ll develop many of these valuable skills including:
Medical and clinical skills
As a PA, you’ll develop your ability to effectively examine patients, make diagnoses, write prescriptions and apply other medical and clinical skills on the job. These skill sets are highly specialized and exclusive to your profession as a physician assistant.
Technical skills
During your training, you will also develop your knowledge of medical equipment, such as EKG machines and other technical equipment. Most of your PA program will focus on using these types of tools and resources on the job. Similarly, you’ll likely develop your expertise using clinical databases and computer systems.
Analytical skills
Your ability to research and analyze information and apply what you know to provide healthcare solutions and treatments is another highly important skill to develop as a PA. Many PAs rely on these traits to provide care and support to their patients, as evaluating symptoms, running diagnostic tests and interpreting results requires strong attention to detail and critical thinking.
Communication skills
PAs interact with a wide variety of individuals, from their supervising physicians to nurses on their healthcare teams to their patients. This is why strong communication skills are necessary in this role. You’ll be writing information, speaking to community members and medical professionals and applying your communication techniques in many different situations.
Interpersonal skills
Working with patients and other medical professionals requires a strong sense of awareness of how you interact and connect with others. Empathy and compassionate care are crucial to working as a healthcare professional. Similarly, your ability to navigate these interactions and be aware of others’ emotions and perspectives is another important aspect of your interpersonal skills that you’ll develop during your training.
Leadership skills
PAs take on many leadership responsibilities during their careers. The ability to lead a healthcare team, make important decisions and delegate tasks in a clinical setting are all aspects of your leadership capabilities that you’ll be able to build on during your education and training.
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